Recapping our festive winter weekend trip to Chicago!
When hubs found out he had to work in Chicago the first week of December, he asked me if I wanted to fly up the weekend before with him and enjoy a winter weekend in Chicago! I quickly said yes and started planning our itinerary! I’d never been to Chicago in the winter and was so excited to visit, especially since it was going to be decked out for the holidays!
Well friends, I’m spilling all the deets! Where we stayed, what we ate, drank, and all of the fun winter things we did!
Where to Stay
I recommend staying at LondonHouse Chicago!
Make sure and book a corner suite with city views! Our bathroom had some of the best views of the city and looked right out to one of my favorites, the Wrigley building!
While you’re there don’t forget to head up to LH on 22 for some of the best panoramic views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile while enjoying classic cocktails and small bites on the outdoor terrace!
Where to Eat
Au Cheval
I’m convinced they have the best burger in the country! Try it and let me know what you think!
They don’t take reservations and there is always at least a 2hr wait, but I’m telling you it’s so WORTH it!
What to Order: You have to order the fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli & fried farm egg to start and the single burger (which is actually a double) with thick cut peppered bacon and a fried farm egg!
Y’all my mouth is watering just typing this!
TIP: Head over to Au Cheval at least an hour before you want to eat and put your name in! You’re able to check your place in line by texting the number they give you! Once they text you that your table is ready you have 10mins to get back! Go walk around and enjoy so of my favorite spots listed below while you wait!
Little Goat with a bakery and a bar, you’ll be sure to find anything to tide you over!
Bombo Bar Dessert before your meal, yes please! Just don’t fill up too much!
RM Champagne Salon I discovered this little gem during my last visit, and I’ll be back! Grab a seat at their cozy bar and sip on some bubbles while you wait. Cheers!
Soho House Chicago My favorite thing to do is to grab a glass of wine at The Allis ! The bar is so quaint and hey you never know who will be sitting right beside you!
Cindy’s
Enjoy brunch or simply grab a cocktail and enjoy the views from the restaurants open-air terrace with panoramic views of Millennium Park, The Art Institute, and Lake Michigan! We ordered the seasonal pumpkin pancakes and the Breakfast Burrito, and both were absolutely delicious!
Eataly
Chicago, I love you! No seriously, I would move in! Eataly is an amazing Italian marketplace with 65,000 square feet overflowing with restaurants, take-away counters, and a cooking school that serve the same high-quality food and drinks offered just steps away in the full market. Eat, shop, and learn!
Make sure to dine at their seasonal pop up restaurant, Baita! You’ll be immediately transported to the Italian Alps! Be sure to make a reservation at least a day in advance and don’t leave without ordering the melted raclette cheese and their homemade pasta!
Maple & Ash
I can’t recommend this place enough! They serve a buffet style brunch, but everything is made fresh right in front of you! Enjoy steak and seafood, fire-roasted eggs and signature gourmet omelets, fruit, pastries, custom salads, and other delicious surprises. An entertaining DJ makes the atmosphere fun, where guests are lively, and you’re sure to have an amazing time. Maple & Ash is more than a restaurant, it’s an experience!
What We Sipped
Bubbles at RM Champagne Salon.
The specialty holiday cocktail at Cindy’s .
Glühwein, a traditional hot spiced wine at Chriskindlmarket.
Eataly has the best selection of Italian red wine I’ve ever seen, but if you’re having a hard time deciding, grab a bottle of Salcheto to go! It was our favorite wine from our trip to Tuscany earlier this year!
Grab a coffee at 3 Arts Club Cafe inside Restoration Hardware.
Things to Do
Window shop along Michigan Ave. and make sure to check out the Macy’s window displays on State Street. Every sq. inch of the city is decorated for Christmas!
Enjoy the views from Cindy’s Rooftop and London House Chicago.
See A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theater.
Enjoy ice skating at Millennium Park, Caroling at Cloud Gate “The Bean”, and admire the 60 ft. tall Christmas tree right in the middle of Millennium Park!
Holiday Lights Trolley Tour
Book your ticket in advance and stay warm while enjoying the magic of Chicago’s holiday lights! Drive by some of Chicago’s most famous sights, followed by a shopping trip to the German-themed Christkindlmarket. See Lincoln Park, Daley Plaza and Michigan Avenue decked with lights for the holiday season.
Hop off and stroll through the Christkindlmarket, a German inspired Christmas market offering unique gifts and fun-filled activities for the whole family! Don’t forget to indulge in traditional German food and drinks!
Hop off and enjoy the ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo! What’s better than the luminous holiday light displays while looking at the zoo animals!
I hope y’all enjoyed this Chicago holiday travel guide! I would love to know what your favorite thing about Chicago is! Make sure and leave a comment below!
Inspired, Maryashley
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